Parenting Plan Assessments
Comprehensive clinical exploration of the needs of a child.
Professional observations about a family’s situation and recommendations regarding post-separation parenting, custody and access issues.
What is a Parenting Plan Assessment?
Parenting Plan Evaluations (previously known as custody and access assessments), under the Children’s Law Reform Act (Section 30), involve a neutral and independent assessment of families following separation and divorce. Recommendations from the assessment are designed to assist parents, lawyers, and the Court in deciding on the custody and access arrangements or shared parenting plan that will be in the best interests of the children. Most parenting plan evaluations are ordered by the Court, but parents can request assessments directly from the Clinic (if all parties consent). An assessment can be done before or during a court case and can be used as evidence in your court case.
The role of the assessor is to put the needs of the child first. Parenting Plan (custody and access) assessors can be psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, or mental health professionals. This type of assessment requires an impartial and comprehensive exploration, examination and analysis of a number of factors which impacts the child and the parents. Although the assessor may make a recommendation, the parties and/or the court make the final decision.
The well-being and welfare of children should always be our focus.
— Todd Tiahrt
The report usually indicates the needs of the children, which party can best meet those needs, and what each parent can do to improve the situation for the children. The report also can include specific recommendations about custody and access.
What is the Assessment Process?
As such the scope, process and results of an assessment are defined and determined by what is in the best interests of the child and the practice guidelines for parenting plan assessments as defined by the College. For more information, please review the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers practice guidelines.
The report usually indicates the needs of the children, which party can best meet those needs, and what each parent can do to improve the situation for the children. The report also can include specific recommendations about custody and access.
What is the Assessment Process?
As such the scope, process and results of an assessment are defined and determined by what is in the best interests of the child and the practice guidelines for parenting plan assessments as defined by the College. For more information, please review the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers practice guidelines.
